More than 1 in 5 people in conflict areas experience mental health issues

New estimates from the WHO find that some 22% of people in conflict areas around the world suffer from a mental health problem. Here’s more from the report:

• By disease type: 13% of people experienced mild forms of depression, PTSD, and anxiety, while some 5% of people experienced severe forms of those disorders.
• By age: Those over the age of 70 in conflict zones experienced the highest rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general population and those of other ages in conflict areas.
• A takeaway: The global estimates are higher than previously thought, according to the authors, who stress the need for mental health care and intervention in conflict-affected countries.